Scotland's video games industry is being celebrated in a new exhibition due to open this summer at the National Museums of Scotland (NMS).
The exhibition is the world's largest interactive exhibition showcasing the culture and history of video games, with 120 playable games spanning over 50 years.
Game On will be held at the National Museum of Scotland from 29 June to 3 November 2024. It will feature iconic characters from Space Invaders to Mario and focus on Scotland's role as a pioneer and world leader in games development.
From manufacturing ZX Spectrum computers in Dundee in the 1980s to highlighting Scotland as home to some of the most innovative and influential game makers, including Rockstar North, creator of Grand Theft Auto, Game On Revealing the roots of the industry. .
The exhibition will also showcase new frontiers and emerging Scottish talent, including Sad Owl Studios, whose game Viewfinder won Best British Game at the BAFTAs 2024.
Visitors will also learn about the role Edinburgh Studio 4J played in making Minecraft a global phenomenon.
Curated and routed by Barbican Immersive, this exhibition examines the creative and technological advances that have established gaming as a new art form.
“The world of gaming has had an undeniable social, cultural and technological impact,” said Patrick Moran, Associate Curator at GameOn.
“Games have transcended the boundaries between art and technology and have become part of popular culture. Game On not only looks at the evolution of video games and how they have changed over time, but also explores over 100 We offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the gaming world with playable games.
“The show features the world's largest playable collection of original arcade and handheld consoles, including major games such as Pac-Man, Super Mario, Tetris, Sonic the Hedgehog, Just Dance and FIFA. The exhibition will also explore new advances in the world of gaming.Hugely interactive, innovative and popular, Game On will appeal to both hardcore gamers and gamers new to the game. The show is suitable for players of all ages.”
The National Museum of Scotland was the exhibition's first touring venue in 2002 and since then Game On has been visited by more than five million people of all ages in 25 cities around the world.
Game On returns to Scotland during a landmark year in gaming, including important anniversaries such as the 30th anniversary of the launch of the original PlayStation console and the 40th anniversary of the iconic puzzle game Tetris.
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“It’s great to welcome Game On back to the National Museums of Scotland,” said Dr Geoff Belknap, Head of Science and Technology at NMS.
“As Head of Scotland’s National Science and Technology Collection, I am excited to explore this country’s amazing contribution to gaming, past and present. With a pioneering project that explores the experience of living with mental health problems, We're delighted to be able to bring Scottish independent games to new audiences, including The Longest Walk and Highland Song, a beautiful adventure across the Scottish landscape.
“This exhibition has been continually updated with each new touring venue since the early 2000s, so we bring you the latest video game stories right here in Scotland, where the industry is so vibrant today. I look forward to doing so.”
